By Jonathan B Geddes

ONE of the players left in limbo with an uncertain future following the demise of Super Rugby team Moana Pasifika is now on fire in the Shute Shield.

Outside back Glen Vaihu produced such an eye-catching performance for Warringah in Saturday’s 39-25 win over Manly in the big local derby at Rat Park that he should be on the radar of the Waratahs – who could certainly do with some of his X-factor.

If NSW don’t sign the 24-year-old from Brisbane, he will get picked up by another Super franchise. Hopefully that won’t be one based in New Zealand.

Vaihu scored two spectacular tries against the Marlins with speed and footwork – then set up another with a no-look flick pass playing fullback in a reshuffled Rats’ backline following the late withdrawal of No.10 Byron Smith.

That followed an impressive performance on the wing in his Rats’ debut the previous week against the Two Blues, where he scored another dazzling try and set one up for his skipper, Ben Marr.

Rats coach Josh Holmes summed up Vaihu’s display by saying: “He’s a freak.

“He showed in Super Rugby this year when he was playing for Moana how good he was.

“I think he suits our style of footy where he gets a lot of space and room to move. And he gets to go out there and do what he does well.”  

A SPECIAL TEAM  

THIS season Vaihu played 13 games for Moana, which was more than just a rugby team to the players.

“It was sad to see it fold, I enjoyed every second at my time there at Moana. It got me closer to my culture,” said Vaihu, who has proud Tongan heritage. “I’ve got memories that will last forever.”              

Before Moana, Vaihu was with the Melbourne Rebels, and when they collapsed, had a stint in Japan.

Vaihu said the battle of the beaches had exceeded his expectations.

“I’d heard about the derby and the rivalry, but I didn’t think it would be this big,” he said. 

“I ran out with a massive crowd of Warringah Rats fans and Manly fans, and it got me a bit nervous.”

WILL HE STAY OR WILL HE GO?

BUT it is uncertain how long he will remain with the Rats this season. Rugby News was not surprised to hear an NPC outfit in New Zealand was very interested in acquiring his services.

“I’m here for a couple of weeks, we’ll see what happens,” he said. “I’m just taking it week by week. I’m just trying to put my best foot forward for whatever is to come.”

Coach Holmes added to the air of mystery.

“He’s here for now, so that’s all that matters,” he said.

“We’ve got guys who come in and do the job, so we are sweet. But if he’s here, he can massively add to us.” 

In the meantime, Vaihu is looking forward to Saturday’s game with the Wildfires at Rat Park as his older brother Sua is in Hunter side.

“I hope I don’t get the opportunity to see him one on one because he will probably run me over,” he said.

A MANLY EFFORT

THE Marlins were gallant in defeat in a high-standard game, with an effort that belied their spot on the ladder.

In the end, Warringah had too much firepower, with the likes of skipper Ben Marr, halfback Ben Fuhiniu, and dynamic back-row duo Zac and Jake Barnabas outstanding.

“They are a team that can absorb quite a bit and then when they need to, go to another level,” said Manly coach Sam Lane.

“I thought their nine kicked really well; they competed well and obviously have some freakish athletes. If they get them some space, which they did, they can make you pay a bit. And we were on the other end of it unfortunately.

“Their DNA is to compete really hard in tight, and they’ve usually got some pretty handy outside backs, that if they create enough space are usually pretty good at making opportunities into points.”

Despite the loss, Manly can still mathematically sneak into the top six, such is the congestion on the ladder.